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| Photo by Lee Lageschulte |
Seems very appropriate that the sunset on Memorial Day was red, white, and blue. The setting sun is the thin strip of yellow on the horizon. Lee says that the sunset is more to the north every day.
--Diane Hettrick
Tuesday, May 31, 2022
Shoreline Walks: Saturday 10am at Sunset School Park
This Saturday, volunteer walk leader Donna will lead walkers through the Innis Arden neighborhood and Boeing Creek Park.
No registration, just show up at Sunset School Park 17800 10th Ave NW at 10am on Saturday, June 4, 2022.
More information shorelinewa.gov/shorelinewalks
Volunteer Walk Leaders are needed! More information here.
Bog Whisperer: A gaggle of goslings
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| Photo by Martin De Grazia |
It's summer at Ronald Bog and Bog Whisperer Martin De Grazia is there with his camera to document the action.
The baby goslings have grown into teenagers but they still stick together in a gaggle.
For Sale: North City Bistro and Wine Shop
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| Ray and Sharon Bloom are selling the Bistro and moving to France |
The North City Bistro and Wine Shop is a lovely, intimate space on 15th NE in the main North City Business District. It is a standard venue during the North City Jazz Walk and during non-pandemic times it is a venue for live jazz.
It recently returned to a full schedule of musicians.
They also sell fine wine and spirits and have been keeping the doors open during the pandemic by selling cases of wine.
As many of you may know that, due to our eventual move to France, we are selling the North City Bistro some time this year.We thought we had some serious buyers on the line, but it looks like that may not happen, so back to square 1.So, if Any of you know someone who would like to take over an established and much appreciated restaurant/wine and spirits shop / music venue (or any of those aspects of what we have built, possibly even partially staffed), please have them contact us for more details. rbloom888@gmail.comAfter all of the hard work, Love and $$ we have invested here over the past 8 1/2 years, we would hate to have to close it down, and liquidate the inventory and assets.
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| They serve "small plates" as well as wine from Washington vintners |
In the meantime, they have a full schedule of performers. Please note that they are very cautious about COVID and proof of vaccination or a negative test is required for entrance. Tickets to the shows are for sale on their website https://northcitybistro.com/
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| Lee Oskar and Friends performing at the Bistro |
ALL WEEKEND MUSIC STARTS AT 8pm Thursday shows start at 7pm
Happy Hour Wednesday shows are 5:00-6:30pm
Here is what is scheduled for the rest of May and the first half of June; even more shows listed on their website: https://northcitybistro.com/
June 1 - Frank Kohl - Jazz Guitar Happy Hour
June 2 - Kelley Johnson Student Showcase
June 3 - McTuff V3 - Funk, Soul and Blues
June 4 - Duende Libre - World Jazz
June 8 - Bruce Barnard Trio - Bossa Nova Happy Hour
June 9 - 2Ality w/Steve Grimes and Steve Stusser
June 10 - Ann Reynolds and Clave Gringa - Cuban Jazz
June 11 - Eric and Encarnacion - Duo Flamenco
June 15 - Bill Anschell Trio - Awesome Piano Jazz
June 16 - Jaspar Lepak - Beautiful Songwriter
June 17 - Joel Astley and Friends - Great Blues
June 18 - Pearl Django - Parisian Swing
June 22 - Kim Maguire Verry Happy Hour
June 23 - John Stowell and Dmitri Matheny
June 24 - John Pinetree and the Yellin' Degenerates
June 25 - EntreMundos Quarteto
June 30 - Maracuja
July 1 - Birch Pereira and the Gin Joints
July 2 - Jovino Santos Neto Quinteto
Their Facebook page has music samples: https://www.facebook.com/NorthCityBistro
North City Bistro is All Ages All the Time!
For the Birds: Tree-huggers Supreme - the Chestnut-backed Chickadee
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| Chestnut-backed eating seeds from a cup |
Photos by Craig Kerns
Most everyone in this area knows our endearing Black-capped Chickadees, but not everyone has the tree-lover Chestnut-backed Chickadees.
These noisy ambitious and acrobatic chickadees prefer the wet darker forests but will readily come to nearby feeders.
Chestnut-backed Chickadees have chestnut coloring on their backs and under their wings.
Their heads are dark brown, not black like the Blacked-capped Chickadees.
Their song is a little buzzier than black-capped. Some locals say they have a Scottish burr to their calls.
Did you know these handsome chickadees only live in the Pacific Northwest (northern California into lower Alaska)?
I didn’t. Maybe their coloration evolved to enhance their survivorship in their treeland habitats.
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| Chestnut-backed finding larvae in flowers |
People with tall evergreens in their yards will have these delightful denizens.
These chickadees are cavity nesters meaning they need dead trees, or trees with dead limbs where they make their own holes in these softer spots.
The male makes the hole, or uses an old woodpecker nest hole, and if the female approves, she accepts vegetation offered by the male.
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| Chestnut-backed using fur for its nest |
Nesting period is generally 18-21 day, and egg count can vary from 1 to usually about 6.
Both parents feed their young.
Chestnut-backed Chickadees will often arrive at a feeder in groups, unlike Black-capped Chickadees which have a hierarchical rule of one-at-a-time at a feeder.
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| Chestnut-backed Chickadees eat suet all year long |
Currently they are de-bugging my crabapple tree.
Being cavity nesters, they will often use a nesting box.
They like seasoned wood, so put the box up by early January. They will find it while travelling in their mixed-species winter groups.
Chestnut-backed Chickadees eat lots of bugs, especially larva, and will come to suet.
In the fall they also eat blackberries and other small fruits. They like seeds and will eat shelled peanuts.
Logging is reducing their numbers, so keep as many of your trees as you can.
Garage Sale Day in Ridgecrest Saturday
SATURDAY!!!!
12th Annual Ridgecrest Neighborhood
Garage Sale Day, Saturday, June 4th!!
All day - rain or shine, all throughout the Ridgecrest Neighborhood.
We hope to have lots of sales going on throughout our neighborhood - and encourage all our neighbors to get out there and shop on Saturday June, 4th.
Ridgecrest neighbors are encouraged to have a sale at their house - or partner with neighbors for an even bigger sale.
Shoppers: Watch for signs all throughout the neighborhood directing you to sales.
Tabernacle Baptist Church, 16508 8th Ave NE is hosting sellers in their parking lot - officially open from 8am until 2pm (some sellers will stay longer) The Baptist Church will be serving up juice and hot dogs.
Ridgecrest Neighborhood
Trivia night fundraiser Saturday for Shoreline Historical Museum
On the evening of Saturday June 4, 2022, enjoy hors d'oeuvres and drinks during a Silent Auction featuring trivia, prizes, and more! 6 - 8:30pm at the Shoreline Masonic Lodge, 753 N 185th St, Shoreline WA 98133.
Register here: https://auctria.events/SHMTrivia2022
Squirrel caught in switch at 5 Corners in Edmonds takes out power to thousands of Sno County residents
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| Snohomish county PUD power outage |
According to My Edmonds News,
Thousands of Snohomish County PUD customers in Edmonds lost power for a few hours Monday morning, May 30, 2022 after a squirrel became caught in a switch at the Five Corners substation, according to PUD spokesperson Aaron Swaney.
The squirrel did not survive the mishap.
The outage occurred just before 9am and power was restored to customers by about 12:30pm.
This included a few homes in Woodway.
Monday, May 30, 2022
WW II American Cemetery in Normandy, France
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| Former Shoreline Mayor Ron Hansen at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in France where 9,386 American servicemen are buried. Photo by Jan Hansen |
The cemetery site covers 172.5 acres and contains the graves of 9,386 of our military dead, most of whom lost their lives in the D-Day landings and ensuing operations. On the Walls of the Missing, in a semicircular garden on the east side of the memorial, are inscribed 1,557 names. Rosettes mark the names of those since recovered and identified.
Jan and Ron Hansen (former Mayor of Shoreline, who died in 2015) visited the cemetery in Normandy as part of a tour of World War II sites in northern Europe and said it was a powerful experience.
From Jan: My father and Ron often took times of reflection and thanks. They understood the words of Abraham Lincoln’s address.
“It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us-that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion-that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain - that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom - and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.” --The Gettysburg Address, Abraham Lincoln
From the Truman Library Institute: 6 Ways to Honor Memorial Day
On May 28, 1948, President Harry S. Truman designated the hour beginning at 8pm ET (3pm local) as a period in which all the citizens of the United States might unite in prayer for peace.
If you hear "Taps" being played, here's why:
The TAPS ACROSS AMERICA tribute debuted on national television in 2020 when CBS news “On the Road” correspondent Steve Hartman teamed up with retired Air Force bugler Jari Villanueva, founder of TAPS FOR VETERANS and TAPS ACROSS AMERICA.
The two men invited buglers and musicians to sound Taps from their front porches all at the same time as a part of the TAPS ACROSS AMERICA tribute. The massive, simultaneous event replaced picnics, parades, and other celebrations cancelled due to the pandemic.
This year tens of thousands of musicians are gearing up to play in one of the largest musical performances of all time - "Taps Across America." On Monday, at 3:00pm sharp, they'll play "Taps" to remember America's fallen.
Memorial Day Service at Acacia in Lake Forest Park
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| Acacia Veterans Memorial Garden 2012 Photo by Jerry Pickard |
Annual Memorial Day Service 11:00am
Monday, May 30, 2022
ACACIA MEMORIAL PARK and FUNERAL HOME
After a two year hiatus because of COVID, we are excited to see the return of our Annual Memorial Day Service.
Please join us this Memorial Day Monday at 11:00am on the grounds of Acacia Memorial Park.
It is good that we gather as community to remember, honor, and celebrate those who gave their all in service to our country along with those whom we love who are no longer with us in this physical realm.
For more information call 206-362-5525
Memorial Day masses in English and Korean at Holyrood Cemetery in Shoreline
Holyrood Catholic Cemetery at 205 NE 205th St, Shoreline WA 98155 will hold in person masses in both English and Korean for Memorial Day 2022
MEMORIAL DAY MASS IN ENGLISH - HOLYROOD
In person on Monday, May 30, at 10:30am - 11:30am
현충일 미사 MEMORIAL DAY MASS IN KOREAN – HOLYROOD
May 30 @ 1:00pm - 2:00pm
현충일 미사
hyeonchung-il misa
For more information about these or other Masses visit: mycatholiccemetery.org/events/
Sunday, May 29, 2022
White Rose and poem
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| Photo by Wayne Pridemore |
pearly white of royal genes
a queen within the garden green
the blooming of the white rose
Petals of the White Rose by James Haley
Vicki Stiles honored for her 29 years of work with the Shoreline Historical Museum
SEATTLE, WA — The Association of King County Historical Organizations (AKCHO) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 40th Annual AKCHO Awards. The annual AKCHO Awards honor people, projects, and organizations who have done outstanding work to promote, preserve, and share history and heritage in King County.
The awards ceremony was held virtually on Tuesday, May 24, 2022. Author and researcher John Falk, Executive Director of the Institute for Learning Innovation in Portland, was the keynote speaker at the awards ceremony, sharing insights from his lifetime of research into free-choice learning and visitor experience at museums.
“King County is full of amazing history and heritage workers,” said AKCHO President Hilary Pittenger, “and we are so pleased to be able to recognize the work our colleagues in the heritage field are doing to promote equity, justice, civic engagement, and pride of place through history work.”
The awards ceremony was held virtually on Tuesday, May 24, 2022. Author and researcher John Falk, Executive Director of the Institute for Learning Innovation in Portland, was the keynote speaker at the awards ceremony, sharing insights from his lifetime of research into free-choice learning and visitor experience at museums.
To learn more about the AKCHO Awards and past recipients, visit the AKCHO website at http://www.akcho.org/awards/
The AKCHO Awards are generously funded by 4Culture.
2022 AKCHO Award Recipients:
Since its founding in 1977, AKCHO has been a nexus for professionals and volunteers in the heritage and historic preservation field in King County. AKCHO works to support history, heritage, and historic preservation work throughout the county through advocacy, professional development, and providing a central network for information and resources for history doers of all kinds. AKCHO has promoted outstanding work in the King County heritage field with its annual AKCHO Awards since 1983.
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| Vicki Stiles photo by Anina Sill |
- Eugenia Woo is awarded the Willard Jue Memorial Award for Staff for her work as Director of Preservation Services at Historic Seattle.
- Frank Abe, Tamiko Nimura, Ross Ishikawa, and Matt Sasaki are awarded the Virginia Marie Folkins Award for Outstanding Historical Publication for their graphic novel We Hereby Refuse: Japanese American Resistance to Wartime Incarceration.
- Kim Turner is awarded the Willard Jue Memorial Award for Volunteers for his work at the Queen Anne Historical Society.
- The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe Language Department is awarded the Heritage Education Award for the creation of the Muckleshoot Language apps and language video program.
- The Northwest Railway Museum is awarded the Long Term Project Award for “The Great Locomotive Swap” – a 20-year project in partnership with the Northern Railway Foundation in Nevada to trade and transport two locomotive engines, returning each to the state of their original use.
- Paul Dorpat is awarded the AKCHO Board Legacy Award for donating his lifetime collection of historical research, books, publications, and local ephemera relating to Seattle’s past to the Seattle Public Library.
- Seattle Theater Group is awarded the Excellence in Public Programming Award for the Centennial Celebration of the Neptune Theater in the University District.
- The Southwest Seattle Historical Society and the Duwamish Longhouse Museum and Cultural Center are awarded the Exhibit Award for their dual exhibit “Spirit Returns 2.0: A Duwamish and Settler Story.”
- The AMP: AIDS Memorial Pathway is awarded the Technology Award for its augmented reality app and public installation project collecting and sharing the stories and history of HIV/AIDS in our community.
- Victoria Stiles is awarded the AKCHO Board Award for her 29+ years of service as Executive Director of the Shoreline Historical Museum. She retired this year. Vicki also received this award in 2015 for her work with the museum.
- Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson is awarded the Charles Payton Award for Heritage Advocacy for his office’s diligent work in stopping the unlawful sale of the National Archives facility in Seattle.
Since its founding in 1977, AKCHO has been a nexus for professionals and volunteers in the heritage and historic preservation field in King County. AKCHO works to support history, heritage, and historic preservation work throughout the county through advocacy, professional development, and providing a central network for information and resources for history doers of all kinds. AKCHO has promoted outstanding work in the King County heritage field with its annual AKCHO Awards since 1983.
COVID-19 Local Case Numbers as of Friday, May 27, 2022
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| King county numbers 5-27-2022 |
COVID-19 Local Case Numbers as of Friday, May 27, 2022
The numbers reported in this article are still being verified as the reporting agencies strive to confirm cause of death, remove duplicates, verify residence, and catch up to a huge backlog from January's surge.
Public Health also advises that the case numbers are most certainly underreported as people have access to home test kits and are either asymptomatic or mildly ill and recovering at home. They are watching the hospitalization numbers as an indicator. All the numbers are rising, but slowly, as the new variant takes hold.
Booster doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine are now available for children ages 5-11. Everyone is urged to stay current with vaccines and boosters.
King county cases
- Total confirmed cases - 400,448
- Cases in past 7 days - 8,162 - 1% increase from previous 7 days
- Average daily cases - 1,244
King county hospitalizations
- Total hospitalizations - 11,997
- Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 106 - -14% decrease from previous 7 days
- Average daily hospitalizations - 15
King county deaths
- Total deaths - 2,808
- Deaths in past 14 days - 26 - -16% decrease from previous 14 days
- Daily average deaths - 2
Seattle Cases
- Total confirmed cases - 118,803
- Cases in past 7 days - 3,219 - 2% increase from previous 7 days
- Average daily cases - 479
Seattle Hospitalizations
- Total hospitalizations - 2,584
- Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 29 - -9% decrease from previous 7 days
- Average daily hospitalizations - 4
- Total deaths - 657
- Deaths in 14 days - 6 - 20% increase from previous 14 days
- Average daily deaths - <1
Shoreline cases
- Total confirmed cases - 9,768
- Cases in past 7 days - 250 - -5% decrease in past 7 days
- Average daily cases - 37
Shoreline Hospitalizations
- Total hospitalizations - 309
- Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 1 - 67% decrease in past 7 days
- Average daily hospitalizations - <1
Shoreline Deaths
- Total deaths - 137
- Deaths in 14 days - 1 - 83% decrease in past 14 days
- Average daily deaths - <1
Lake Forest Park cases
- Total confirmed cases - 1,787
- Cases in past 7 days - 52 - 10% increase over previous 7 days
- Average daily cases - 8
Lake Forest Park Hospitalizations
- Total hospitalizations - 37
- Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 3 - increase of 3 in past 7 days
- Average daily hospitalizations - <1
Lake Forest Park Deaths
- Total deaths - 6
- Deaths in 14 days - 0 - no change
- Average daily deaths - 0
Climate Action Shoreline: Fossil Fuel-Free Friday
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| Photo by Chris LeBoutillier on Unsplash |
By Diane Lobaugh
Last month on Earth Day I wrote about “Start over every Sunday.” It is a day to stop and notice and connect with our neighbors and the natural world around us. This month my focus is Fossil Fuel-Free Friday.
What are fossil fuels? Coal, oil and natural gas or methane, called fossil fuels, are extracted from the earth by drilling, mining, or fracking. Fossil fuels are formed naturally inside the earth’s crust from the remains of dead plants and animals over millions of years. This is carbon from deep in the earth. Extracting, processing, storing, shipping and then burning these fossil fuels cause pollution to the land, the air, and water.
Fossil fuels are currently primary sources of energy for heating and transportation. The atmosphere around the earth acts like a blanket, keeping in heat that would normally escape to space. As fossil fuels burn, carbon dioxide (and other gases) released into the atmosphere, thicken the blanket and trap excess carbon dioxide and heat. This is causing global warming to increase to dangerous levels.
We are not yet feeling the extreme effects of climate change locally, yet our corner of the world uses a LOT of fossil fuels daily. Our actions contribute to the climate crisis in the world, such as extreme heat, drought, food and water shortages, and more. We must make major changes in how we live, even as we still have easy access and dependence on fossil fuels.
Most of us have gas-fueled cars, many live in homes that use gas for heating, water heaters and cooking. We live near airports and military bases which use a lot of fossil fuels daily. Many commercial buildings still use fossil fuels. Some of us support the fossil fuel industry by our investments, even without knowing it.
Our cities are working to transition to electricity and renewable energy for heating and transportation. The sun, the wind, and water can be used to power electricity for less cost and damage to the earth.
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| A roof lined with solar panels |
What can we do at home? Fossil Fuel-Free Fridays.
- Use public transportation, walk, bike, share rides.
- Park gas-fueled cars for the day.
- Try to run any necessary errands with friends, using public transportation, or in an electric vehicle if possible.
- Notice how much fossil fuel was used to supply the food and products we use daily.
- Stop deliveries using gas-powered vehicles.
- No flying or planning air travel.
- Learn about energy use at home. What powers your heaters/furnaces, stove, clothes drier, appliances? Is switching to electric an option in your home?
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| A small bird peers in the driver side window |
Plan to stop driving gas-fueled cars or trucks. Make sure your home is air-tight so less energy is needed for heating/cooling. When replacing furnaces, water heaters, tools and appliances, switch to electric. Consider using a heat pump heater and water heater. Get rid of anything you own that burns fossil fuels as soon as possible.
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| Heat pump water heater |
Attend webinars about the climate such as Electrify Now, offered last week through the City of Shoreline. There is a lot of information and help available to us. Watch for new programs providing financial help to buy and install heat pumps.
Work with friends and neighbors to share rides, combine trips/errands, and share electric tools. Talk and listen to each other about what it is like to decrease our use and dependence on fossil fuels.
Changing habits and overuse patterns can feel hard at first, and inconvenient. But there are so many benefits, such as connection with our neighbors locally and world-wide. The earth and sun give us heat, water, wind, trees, plants, and so much life. What if we use with gratitude what is given to us, and not dig into the earth to take more?
There are many people working to protect and heal the earth, including here in the Shoreline area. Every one of us is needed as we face this climate emergency. I am glad we are doing this together.
See you next month, and in the neighborhood.
Beehives at Ballinger Commons
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| Patrick Moore of Alvéole Beekeeping at.Ballinger Commons |
“Bee-ing” at Ballinger Commons: Patrick Moore of Alvéole Beekeeping transfers a drone (stingless) bee to a resident of Ballinger Commons during an installation of two new beehives at the Shoreline apartment complex Friday, May 27.
The bees will pollinate flowers and vegetables in the complex’s new garden for residents of the 77-acre site.
In the background, Lauree Scheiber, regional manager of Security Properties Residential, holds one of the nearly twenty bee-covered frames, which are inside the new hives.
About 30 tenants attended the installation, during which Moore spoke about bees, their lifestyles, and importance to earth. The community garden is along First Avenue, in a space that until several years ago, housed a pond and pumping station for nearby Holyrood Cemetery.
The transformation of the space into an asset for residents was the brainchild of property manager Kimberly Travis who distributed seeds for planting to residents during the event. Friday’s event was followed by a community barbecue at the Ballinger Commons Clubhouse.
Ballinger Commons is owned by the King County Housing Authority. It is bounded by 205th, 1st NE, Meridian N, and 195th. It has 485 units in close to 25 buildings on the 77 acre site.
Ballinger Commons is owned by the King County Housing Authority. It is bounded by 205th, 1st NE, Meridian N, and 195th. It has 485 units in close to 25 buildings on the 77 acre site.
League of Women Voters registers high school students to vote
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| Susan Vossler, Judy Deiro, and Sarah Phillips League of Women Voters registering high school students at Inglemoor high school |
Story and photos by Sally Yamasaki
In so many ways the youth of today impress me and this day of registering the high school students at Inglemoor did not disappoint. Nearly 60 students registered during their lunch to become new voters.
One student pointing to her “vote” button told her friend, this is feminism!
Yet another student said, “Voting is the way we participate in Democracy.”
Anyone can register to vote when they are 18 years old and are a US citizen. However, what many people do not know is you can pre-register to vote when you are 16 years old, and when you turn 18, you will automatically be mailed a ballot.
If you would like to register / pre-register, update your information, or learn what is on the ballot you can go here:
- votewa.gov
- or call 1 (800) 448-4881
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| Nearly 60 students registered to vote |
The League of Women Voters is a “nonpartisan, grassroots organization working to protect and expand voting rights and ensure everyone is represented in our democracy.” Today, the League helped 58 new voters access their voting rights and strengthened our democracy in the process.
To learn more or help the League of Women Voters of Seattle-King County contact:
- Email: info@lwvskc.org
- Phone: (206) 329-4848
Notes from Shoreline Council meeting May 23, 2022
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| Pam Cross, reporter |
Notes by Pam Cross
The remote meeting was called to order at 7:00pm by Mayor Scully.
All Councilmembers were present.
Approval of the Agenda
CM Roberts requests removal of item 7(i) from the Consent Calendar
“Adoption of Resolution No. 491 - Repealing Resolution No. 459 – Temporarily Authorizing Meetings and Public Hearings to be Held Electronically Due to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency”
Item 7(i) is removed from the Consent Calendar and made Action 8(a)
Revised agenda approved by unanimous consent.
Report of the City Manager, Debbie Tarry
Presented by Ms. Tarry
Coffee with the Chief.
There will be more events like this at different locations throughout the year.
The remote meeting was called to order at 7:00pm by Mayor Scully.
All Councilmembers were present.
Approval of the Agenda
CM Roberts requests removal of item 7(i) from the Consent Calendar
“Adoption of Resolution No. 491 - Repealing Resolution No. 459 – Temporarily Authorizing Meetings and Public Hearings to be Held Electronically Due to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency”
Item 7(i) is removed from the Consent Calendar and made Action 8(a)
Revised agenda approved by unanimous consent.
Report of the City Manager, Debbie Tarry
Presented by Ms. Tarry
Coffee with the Chief.
There will be more events like this at different locations throughout the year.
Low tides - Waterproof footwear is recommended
Support Shoreline’s Farmers Market at its new location
Leashed dogs are welcome
Shoreline Walks
Open to all ages and abilities
No need to sign up in advance
Leashed dogs welcome
No need to sign up in advance
Leashed dogs welcome
State of the City Breakfast
Public Reminders
The Planning Commission meeting originally scheduled for June 2 has been cancelled.
In honor of Memorial Day, City Hall will be clsed on Monday, May 30. There will be no Council meeting.
The next Council meeting will be held on Monday, June 6.
Council Reports
CM Ramsdell
I attended the Shoreline Rotary Club breakfast meeting. I was impressed with the Homestead Community Land Trust program. The Trust supplies affordable homeowner opportunities for those earning 50 - 80% of AMI. The Trust owns the land and the homeowner purchases the structure that can be purchased for between $224,000 and $338,000.
I also attended the Westminster Triangle Neighborhood Group Meet. They discussed the development of the park.
And I attended a meeting with the staff and Board members of the North Urban Human Services Alliance (NUHSA). Their primary concern is the future of The Oaks Enhanced Shelter. The current contract ends in 2023 and they are finding it a little frustrating trying to find out from Catholic Community Services about the future of it.
DM Robertson
I’ll give a brief update on the Regional Transit Committee. Metro ridership is up 20% from last year. The new ORCA card launched on May 16. You don’t need a new card. You can connect your ORCA Card to the new myORCA app or manage your account at myORCA.com.
They are going to be talking about reducing fares for youth on Metro to zero. The rest of the discussion was about Metro Connects as part of the regional plan.
CM McConnell
I attended the Zoom meeting for the domestic violence (DV) initiative a few weeks ago. It was very promising that there are resources out there but access to them is broken because of language and cultural barriers. Victims will file DV claims but then they don’t follow through with the rest of the sequence through the legal system because they don’t know how to. We need attorneys acting as advocates to guide victims through the following steps for restraining orders etc.
I want to mention that I attended the ShoreLake Arts Gala with almost every member of the Council who should be patting themselves on the back. The last number I heard from the silent auction was $60,000.
CM Mork
I attended the Elected Officials K4C, the King County Climate Change Consortium Town Hall which was led by KingCo Councilmember Rod Dembowski. The main topics were the addition of two new cities (Bothell and Maple Valley) to the Consortium. We also discussed at length Vision Zero and its ultimate goal of no deaths or serious injuries on roadways using road safety reform.
Mayor Scully
I attended the meeting of the Lake Ballinger Forum. We had an exciting presentation by WSDOT about making the creek that leads up to Lake Ballinger salmon-accessible by putting access under I-5, which is a pretty impressive project using a boring machine since there no way to cut and cover on I-5. Concerns about potential flooding will have to be addressed.
Also Representative Jayapal has included funding for our Ballinger Creek potential restoration project as part of her funding request to the White House. That would make that particular creek fish-passable up to Brugger’s Bog. This is just step one but this is an exciting start.
Public Comment
Each speaker allowed 2 minutes. There were 166 written comments at the time this report was prepared. Many speakers had also provided written comments.
The following speakers commented on item 9(c) Discussion of Acquisition of Certain Real Property for Public Park Land
Opposed to City Acquisition
Richard Kink, Shoreline
Bryan Chow, Shoreline
Jim McCurdy, Shoreline
Nathan Beard, Shoreline, President of Richmond Beach Preservation Assn
Dave Barnett, Shoreline, Chairman of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe
Randy Stime, Shoreline
Forrest Taylor, Shoreline
David Spellman, on behalf of the property owner Peter Vitaliano
In favor of City Acquisition
Sandra Gillette, Shoreline
Jack Malek, Shoreline
Tom Wyatt, Shoreline
Tom McCormick, Shoreline
Tom Petersen, Shoreline
Other topics
Theresa LaCroix, Edmonds, Director of Shoreline/LFP Senior Center
Thanks for continued support of the Senior Center
Kathleen Russell, Shoreline, Save Shoreline Trees
Item 9(b) Staffing request. Requested list of projects
Derek Blackwell
Opposed to proposed apartment on Linden Ave N
Approval of the Consent Calendar as amended.
The amended Consent Calendar was approved unanimously.
Action Item 8(a) Resolution No. 491 - Repealing Resolution No. 459 – Temporarily Authorizing Meetings and Public Hearings to be Held Electronically Due to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
Presented by Margaret King, City Attorney
Summary of Legislative Actions
Staff recommends City Council adopt Resolution 491 repealing Resolution 459 and return to in-person meetings effective June 1, 2022.
PUBLIC COMMENT
This is required because this item is on the Agenda for the first time without prior notice.
No comments.
DISCUSSION
Motion and second to adopt the Resolution.
There has been much more public participation since we have had remote meetings. This will also allow a hybrid meeting so that Councilmembers who are unable to attend, and for the public who are unable to attend in person or may prefer to attend electronically via Zoom.
Does staff expect in-person attendance be similar to what we’ve had in the past? (About 100 people)
- Reply Debbie Tarry: We have not discussed capacity in the Council meetings but we would like to spread the chairs apart a little bit more. Historically, when we’ve been at capacity in Chambers we have allowed additional attendees to participate in the lobby and provided seating.
- Reply Debbie Tarry: Probably so that we can coordinate the speakers. If that changes we will let the public know in advance.
- Reply Debbie Tarry: When the mask mandate was dropped Statewide, we stopped requiring masks at City Hall. We do encourage people to wear masks. At this time we plan to take that same approach in Council Chambers.
- We expect and encourage continued remote participation even though some of the details are still being worked out.
- Reply Margaret King: No. What it does is “undo” the mandate and allow a hybrid meeting so attendance of members or the public can be done remotely or in-person.
- Reply Jessica Simulcik-Smith, City Clerk: Council Chambers has had the hybrid equipment installed and our other conference rooms are on the schedule to be installed soon. Currently we have been facing a back-order of critical equipment.
- Reply Mayor Scully: At our retreat this was something we discussed and we decided Councilmembers are free to decide for themselves whether and how often they choose to participate in person or remotely. I believe this will extend to other boards.
Motion passes unanimously by a vote of 7-0.
Action Item 8(b) PUBLIC HEARING and Discussion on Ordinance No. 965 – Extension of the Interim Regulations Authorizing Outdoor Seating on Private Property and Within Approved Public Rights-of-Way
Presented by Andrew Bauer, Planning Manager
On July 27, 2020, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 895, enacting interim regulations for outdoor seating areas for existing restaurants and bars due to indoor seating restrictions in place at that time related to the COVID-19 pandemic. These regulations include expedited permit review and waiver of fees. Council has adopted three extensions of the interim regulations during the course of the pandemic. Although most restrictions associated with the pandemic have been lifted, a fourth and final six-month extension is necessary as the Planning Commission continues their work on Development Code amendments for permanent regulations.
PUBLIC HEARING
No comments
DISCUSSION
This is a great idea and I wish there was more participation. We lack a downtown area like Edmonds has, but as our city develops around the light rail, there will be more areas where this can evolve.
I supported this in the past and look forward to making it permanent.
Councilmembers agree to this returning to Council on the Consent Calendar.
Study Item 9(a) Discussion of Ordinance No. 966 – Amending Shoreline Municipal Code Chapter 13.20 to Add a New Section SMC 13.20.060 – Deferred Underground Facilities
Presented by John Norris, Assistant City Manager
Required undergrounding of the electrical utility in the 148th St light rail area has been delayed by Seattle City Light’s (SCL) 5th Avenue Duct Bank Project. In early 2021, SCL informed Sound Transit and the City that it was pushing back the timing of this replacement project as it does not have the capital funding to complete the Duct Bank Project in coordination with the light rail project timeline. SCL estimates a 2027-2030 timeline instead of 2024. As a result, temporary above-ground 3-phase power is required in order to continue with the light rail project as well as private development in the station area.
On March 7, 2022 Ordinance 958, passed by Council, addressed the temporary construction of 3-phase power. Tonight Council will consider overhead interim operation 3-phase power until the first 10 blocks of the SCL 5th Ave Duct Bank Project is complete. This will require a new section to the code.
Seattle City Light, as the electrical utility service provider, will be required to:Ensure that interim poles are designed and constructed to not preclude future full development of adjacent sites
Upon completion of undergrounding, remove the interim poles and wires within proscribed timelines
Comply with provided enforcement provisions
Because other utilities (such as fiber optic or cable companies) will be using these poles, SCL requested that the other utilities be allowed enough time to remove their cables so that SCL can then remove the poles in a timely way. Staff has proposed an amendment to address this.
DISCUSSION
DUFA (see above slide) includes MUR 45 zones. But in the ordinance adopted earlier this year, we limited temporary above-ground to MUR 70. Do we need to go back and revisit that to include MUR 45?
- Reply: Staff did discuss this. It is most likely that applicants for a DUFA would take an interim power pole that would be allowed and utilize that on an operational basis. The temporary construction power poles are only allowed in MUR 70. Council could go back and expand into the MUR 45. Or scale back DUFA to not include MUR 45. But the latter would preclude development in adjacent MUR 45 until the 4th Ave Duct Bank project is completed.
- Reply: Correct.
- Reply: Yes. Some of these poles may replace existing single-phase poles, so it is likely that the different utilities will be on these interim poles.
- Reply: Great point. The intent is that once the underground project is energized - when the connection is made - they can then stop using the overhead poles to energize whatever future development or project. At that point the overhead wires can be removed by SCL, and then the other renting utilities remove their wires. Following that, SCL (that owns the poles) will come in and remove them. We will take a closer look at the wording we have used to make sure we are clear and not confusing the terminology.
Study Item 9(b) Discussion of Ordinance 964 - Revenue Supported Permit Staffing Request
Presented by Rachael Markle, AICP, PandCD Director
Tricia Juhnke, P.E., City Engineer
Due to the increase in volume and complexity of permits for developments in the station areas and the Town Center, there are not sufficient staffing resources to process permit applications within a reasonable time frame.
The most complex permit types from application intake to permit issuance require equally complex skill sets for staff. We are talking about permits for projects such as new mixed-use, multi-family, commercial, Deep Green Incentive Program projects, Affordable Housing projects and projects within Critical Areas.
This issue needs immediate attention to address the current and anticipated permit processing backlog at the current staffing level. Staff recommends adding six regular staff positions. So we are seeking a budget amendment to hire additional staff for permitting processing.
Additional details are in the staff report. The following slide is a correction to the one in the staff report that failed to carry over the costs that are proposed to be paid for from the wastewater utility.
DISCUSSION
You mentioned that revenue from permits will pay for these positions in the foreseeable future. Do you think this is a sustainable source of funding?
- Reply: We will be doing projections for the biennial budget. Current projects in the timeline should sustain us until 2025. From pre-application meetings there have also been indications of future projects that are in the works. So these are likely to happen after 2025. Of course the further you go out, the murkier it gets because there are many variables.
- Reply Debbie Tarry: We have also been in the process of updating our 10-year forecast and we believe that this is sustainable funding through the next two bienniums. However, these positions are funded through development and should we see a marked decline in development we would have to review staffing. Additionally we get a large part of the revenue up front.
I planned to add a deck to my house and was told it would be a 17 week wait for the permit to be approved. We were looking forward to having the deck this summer.
I’ve been hearing more frustration about permit wait-times than I have sidewalks and trees - and that’s saying something.
This will come back as an Action item on July 25.
Study Item 9(c) Discussion of Ordinance No. 967 – Authorizing the Use of Eminent Domain for Acquisition of Certain Real Property identified as King County Tax Parcel No. 727810-0905 for Public Park Land
CM McConnell recused herself from this discussion and stated that she has not participated in any Executive Sessions regarding it. CM McConnell lives on the street in question.
Presented by Margaret King, City Attorney
In or about 2020, the City of Shoreline elected not to seek to acquire property at the southern end of 27th Avenue NW when it came up for sale. The property for sale included not only a residence but also a large parcel of 2nd Class Tidelands.
Except for the 2nd Class Tidelands associated with Richmond Beach Saltwater park, Puget Sound shoreline is in private ownership, primarily Burlington Northern right-of-way.
Acquisition of this parcel would provide a continuous public connection to these tidelands, and preserve this area in its natural state. Acquisition would also facilitate the public survey response for more shoreline and beach access and increase the City’s inventory of park land.
Staff would like Council to consider proposed Ordinance No. 967 (use of eminent domain) as a precautionary step in the event a voluntary sale of the tideland parcel cannot be achieved.
Citizen interest in acquiring the tideland portion of the properties has continued as the City has actively been engaged in acquiring public park land throughout the City.
The City consultant has contacted the property owner with the objective of negotiating with the owner, using eminent domain only after efforts are exhausted.
DISCUSSION
There appears to be some question about who owns 27th Ave.
- Reply: I do not have clarification of that issue tonight. That would be a separate issue from tonight’s discussion.
- Reply Debbie Tarry: We have also made application to Burlington Northern to request lease access to their right-of-way that would allow people to traverse to this tideland when they’re coming from the north. We do not have an answer from Burlington Northern.
All of the input from the public is greatly appreciated.
I support moving ahead with this in order to provide safer access.
Is part of this ordinance regarding parking on 27th? Some speakers mentioned they did not want parking there.
- Reply: No, it is not. This simply authorizes the use of eminent domain for purchase of the property if other negotiations fail.
- Reply: the City has followed all of the requirements with respect to moving forward with an ordinance with respect to exercising eminent domain. We very closely follow the process set out by State law. Some people want more public outreach and neighborhood discussions, but that is not a legal requirement. We have met all of the legal requirements.
This is scheduled to come back June 6 as an Action Item.
MEETING ADJOURNED.